Category Archives: Peoria

[Source: Carolyn Dryer, Peoria Times] — When Community Development Director Glen Van Nimwegen (pictured) brought another update contract to city council, there were questions about the continuous study of downtown Peoria. He referenced the 1999 Central Peoria Revitalization Plan, saying the city was approaching the plan’s 10-year anniversary. Van Nimwegen said what was hoped for was a new look at the plan and a new study that would incorporate more private funding in the downtown revitalization process. He also pointed to the accomplishments downtown in the past 10 years.

[Source: Cecilia Chan, Arizona Republic] — Peoria Vice Mayor Vicki Hunt and recall proponent Kathy Montoya-Moore have taken their differences to the streets. Both women are citing a confrontation last month at North 79th Drive in Peoria to seek an injunction prohibiting harassment against each other. A judge is to hear both sides at 3 p.m. Tuesday in Goodyear Municipal Court.

Montoya-Moore is part of a group seeking to boot Hunt from office. The group claims Hunt has not done enough to preserve the city’s historic parts, namely the downtown area in her Acacia District, which is being refurbished.

Montoya-Moore claims Hunt tried to run her over with her car on the downtown Peoria street while she was gathering recall petition signatures. Hunt claims Montoya-Moore intentionally walked out into the street in front of her car. A police report states the responding officer could not determine who instigated the Dec. 15 incident. “Her anger is escalating, and I want it to stop,” Hunt said. “I can’t predict what she will do next. It’s terribly debilitating for my job.”

Montoya-Moore said she’s still shaken by the confrontation. “She tried to run me over,” she said. “I don’t have any choice. This has gotten out of hand.” City Attorney Steve Kemp called the matter a private one between the two women. Because it is a civil issue, an injunction would not affect Hunt’s role on the council, he said. Peoria’s only involvement would be to enforce any injunction issued, he added.